"Basic"
Confusing, poorly written and wholly dissatisfying, this thriller about an investigation into a military murder hits all the wrong notes. Samuel L. Jackson is wasted, John Travolta is ultra-hammy and Connie Nielsen is reduced to the tough sex kitten. For shame. Rated R. 1 stars
"Dreamcatcher"
Sometimes great, but more often a silly adaptation of Stephen King's story of four friends, psychic powers, a hunting trip and some really angry aliens. Good effects and lots of gore can't cover up a wasted cast and rip-off plot. Still, it's better than "Signs." Rated R. 2.5 stars
"Head of State"
Chris Rock plays a local hero striving to be the first black president. There are some decent laughs, but Rock is capable of more potent comedy. This film seems content to keep touchy issues at a safe distance. Rated PG-13. 2 stars
"The Hunted"
Benicio Del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones chase and stab each other to a pulp in William Friedkin's dazzling action entry. It's gruesome, it's stealthy and it's wholly entertaining despite its overwhelming resemblance to "First Blood." Rated R. 4 stars
"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"
The second installment in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels surpasses the first. Excellent character and story development and an hour-long battle sequence set this in a class all its own. Rated PG-13. 5 stars
"A Man Apart"
Vin Diesel stars as a widowed DEA officer vying for revenge in this blood-drenched drug drama. It's wholly entertaining, though its credibility wavers toward the end and Diesel's performance is uneven. Rated R. 3 stars
"Old School"
Will Ferrell is great in this welcome addition to the college comedy genre as a group of thirtysomethings who start their own fraternity. It's as stupid as it sounds, but it is also one of the funnier films in theaters. Rated R. 4 stars
"Phone Booth"
Colin Farrell is a sleazy publicist trapped by a sniper in a public phone booth. There is nothing particularly believable in this unexciting, preachy piece of star worship. Rated R. 2 stars
Opening this weekend:
"Anger Management" Comedy. Rated PG-13
"House of 1,000 Corpses" Horror. Rated R
A.P. Kryza is the State News film reporter. Reach him at kryzaand@msu.edu.
